Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:

2 CHRONICLES 33:1KJV
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2 Chronicles 33:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 33:1 mean?

2 Chronicles 33:1 states that Manasseh became king of Judah when he was twelve years old and that he ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. This verse introduces Manasseh’s reign, highlighting both his young age at the start and the unusually long duration of his rule.

The book of 2 Chronicles is written by a later historian, summarizing the line of kings in Judah for the people of Israel. This verse sets the stage for the story of Manasseh, who will become one of the most discussed kings due to his actions. The mention of Jerusalem as the place of his reign ties Manasseh’s story to the central city of worship and leadership in Judah.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:1

  • מְנַשֶּׁה (Menashsheh): This is the Hebrew name for Manasseh, which means “causing to forget.” The name itself may remind readers of his ancestor Joseph’s son, also named Manasseh, linking him to Israel’s broader history.
  • מָלַךְ (malakh): This verb means “to reign” or “to become king.” The use of this word emphasizes the official start of Manasseh’s rule, not just his age.
  • יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yerushalayim): This is the Hebrew name for Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Judah. Mentioning Jerusalem highlights the importance and influence of Manasseh’s reign.

Why 2 Chronicles 33:1 matters

  • The verse highlights how young Manasseh was when he became king, which may help explain some of his later decisions and the influence of advisors or family.
  • The length of Manasseh’s reign—fifty-five years—is the longest of any king in Judah, making his rule especially significant in the nation’s history.
  • This introduction prepares the reader for the dramatic events and reforms that will follow in Manasseh’s story, setting up a contrast between his long reign and the spiritual challenges Judah will face.

Where else these words appear

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
  • 1 Chronicles 3:13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.